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Yakama Nation Picks Casino Options

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Yakima Herald Record Online: "Putting a second tribal casino in the Vancouver, Wash., area could be the best expansion option for the Yakama Nation's gaming operations, a recent study suggests.

"The study commissioned by the tribe evaluated the Vancouver area and possible sites in Snoqualmie, Tri-Cities and Ellensburg. Business consultant and tribal member Ted Strong has recently pushed for a 520-acre Ellensburg site that could include a $275 million family resort with a theme park, golf course, casino and housing development.

"Though the Yakama have operated Legends Casino in Toppenish for nearly seven years, employing about 600 mostly tribal workers, the tribe initially thought of a casino near Vancouver. Projected revenue was much higher in Vancouver, but tribal leaders ultimately opted for building a casino on the reservation to offer tribal employment.

"In 2002, tribal members approved the study of a second casino after Legends began making significant gains in employing tribal members.

"…Ranking second in the study was Snoqualmie, while the Ellensburg site came in third…"

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